Date:         Sun, 23 Jul 2000 11:09:08 -0700
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <drillock@earthlink.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <drillock@earthlink.net>
Subject:      Re: shifting or lack of
Comments: To: susanb@wizzards.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Susan, if the reservoir was truly dry, the leak MUST BE THE BRAKES ! The
clutch uses the same reservoir but has a separate hose that hooks up to
the tank higher up than the brakes do. This is a safety feature to keep
a clutch leak from draining the tank to the point where the brakes run
dry also. If the fluid level falls below where the clutch hose connects
then there is a leak in the brake system. Did you notice if this was the
case?

Mark

Susan Bernavich wrote:
>
> Hey mark just checked the fluid thingie and it is dry!!!!!!!  will fill it up
> and hopefully that was what was happening...any instructions of what to do
> after its filled???? thanx....
>
> Mark Drillock wrote:
>
> > Susan, this is almost certainly a clutch problem as opposed to a tranny
> > problem. You need to determine whether it is a hydraulic failure (clutch
> > master cylinder or slave cylinder) or a failure in the clutch itself. It
> > could be a leak in the brake fluid system as this shares the same fluid
> > as the clutch and the clutch will stop working first. Look in the brake
> > fluid reservoir by the speedometer. If it is low, add some DOT 3 brake
> > fluid and the clutch may improve. Let me know what you find.
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > Susan Bernavich wrote:
> > >
> > > Beloved List...help!   I cannot get "Harold" into first or reverse 4 out
> > > of 5 trys....when he finally goes in ( to put him back in the driveway)
> > > the engine dies as soon as I push the clutch in to stop....was in the
> > > shop...replaced part (100.00) out two days and began the same
> > > routine....vacation end of week....Harold is a 1983
> > > diesel.....85,000...he has run very well this summer until this began
> > > happening....5 speed manual....Mike Snow or anyone have a clue???  Would
> > > appreciate input...thanx   Susan B.